WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 9, 2015) – ResponsibleAg, an independent nonprofit stewardship initiative that helps retail agribusinesses comply with federal fertilizer handling and storage rules, is seeking an executive director.  

The executive director will act as the senior manager for this groundbreaking initiative. Since its formation in 2014, Congressional leaders and regulators have lauded ResponsibleAg, and its auditor training curriculum has been recognized by the Board of Environmental, Health & Safety Auditor Certifications. The executive director will report to the nine‐member Board of Directors, comprised of five representatives of the Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) and four representatives of The Fertilizer Institute (TFI). 

ResponsibleAg was formed by the fertilizer industry to promote public welfare by assisting agribusinesses in complying with federal environmental, health, safety and security rules regarding the safe handling and storage of fertilizer products. The executive director will provide professional leadership for the organization and manage its day‐to‐day affairs, and will assist with the recruitment and retention of an estimated 9,000 agricultural retailers, and help enlist program support from fertilizer manufacturers and distributors.  

The full‐time position will require extensive travel throughout the United States. Letters of interest and resumes are due May 31. A subcommittee of the board will screen applicants and conduct in‐person interviews with the finalists. 

The executive director will be responsible for: 

• Managing the affairs of the Board of Directors and committees.
• Developing and managing the annual budget and policies.
• Promoting and managing, in cooperation with ARA, TFI and other stakeholders, the recruitment, registration and retention of program participants.
• Establishing and managing procedures for appeals and dispute resolutions, ensuring transparency and fairness for program participants.
• Coordinating the recruitment, training and certification of auditors to effectively implement the initiative.
• Establishing and monitoring an effective Quality Assurance program.
• Promoting and representing ResponsibleAg to media and other stakeholders.
• Managing relationships with federal and state agencies in accordance with Board policies and directives.

Qualified candidates should be able to demonstrate:

• Five to 10 years of experience in developing and managing regulatory compliance assessment programs.
• Familiarity with federal and state environmental, safety and health (EHS) regulatory requirements.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and adaptive management skills, and be a creative, motivated, organized and outgoing team player.
• Have a proven ability to build consensus among diverse constituents.

Compensation will be commensurate with the skills and experience of the candidate. Resumes and letters of interest detailing relevant experience should be submitted as a PDF to responsibleag@aradc.org. For additional information on ResponsibleAg and the complete job description, please visit: www.responsibleag.org.